Documenting Their Lives, Telling Their Stories

Leach Family Military Records

Five sons of Solomon Leach served in the Civil War: Philetus, Francisco, Enard, Sylvester, and Edgar. All lived through the battle to return to their families and take up their lives again, but with physical disabilities that in some cases rendered them unable to lead normal lives. Sylvester Leach applied for a pension based on his bouts of “pleurisy” and “rheumatism” that weakened him to the point he wasn’t always able to work. Enard Leach reported having a horse roll on him during the battle of 2nd Bull Run, and was left with back and leg problems described as “lameness.” Philetus, Edgar and Francisco Leach also applied for “Invalid Pensions.” A list of their service units and pension application dates follows:

Philetus E. Leach served as a Private in the 2nd Regiment, Company A, Iowa Cavalry. He applied for an Invalid Pension on September25, 1885; died February 21, 1915 at Forest City, Missouri.